Throughout the school year, it’s easy to forget about putting ourselves first. With all the constant approaching deadlines, exams to study for, and all of our classes, we often times put ourselves and the things we enjoy on the back burner. Summer is the season to get back in touch with the things we love and ultimately, it’s the time to TREAT YO’ SELF.

1. Take up an outdoor physical activity

Summer is the best time to get outdoors and try something new. Whether it be going for a walk in the morning, breaking out the old bicycle for a ride around the neighborhood, or maybe even hiking, summertime weather is perfect for getting some physical activity without dragging yourself all the way to the gym.

2. Take a stay vacation

Plan one weekend this summer and make it all yours. Turn off your phone and disconnect from the world around you. Binge watch Netflix on your couch, lie out in your backyard, visit a new restaurant in your town, or don’t get out of bed if that’s how you’re feeling. Just do something that will make you feel at ease.

3. Spend time by the water

I don’t know if it’s just me but I love being by the water. Whether it is the ocean, a lake, a river, or even my pool, there is something so relaxing about being in the presence of water. Use this time to allow the calming nature of the water to wash away your worries.

4. Get in touch with your creative side

Write. Draw. Color. Paint. Take Photographs. Tune out the rest of the world and allow those creative juices to flow.

5. Go out for a drive

One of my favorite things to do during the summer is to go out for a drive with all the windows down. There’s something about the wind in my hair and a really good playlist that makes me feel like nothing can stop me.

6. Visit your local park

Can you remember the last time that you went to a public park? Get out there and play on the swings like you did when you were younger, take a stroll around the fountain, or just lay out in the grass and people watch.

7. Have an at-home spa day

Take one day for yourself out of the week and make yourself feel like a hundred bucks. Take a nice long bubble bath with one of those bath bombs you’ve been eyeing at the mall, make a face mask at home, do a deep conditioning, or paint your nails. Do anything that is guaranteed to make you feel good.

8. Plan a road trip

Set aside a weekend, week, or maybe even a month if you have the time and layout where you want to go, who you’re taking with you, what snacks you want to bring, and what stops you want to make along the way. Getting out there and changing your surroundings is sometimes one of the best things you can do for yourself.

9. Get yourself a special frozen treat

Visit your local frozen yogurt spot and pile on as many topping as you choose. Go to an ice cream parlor and get yourself an extra scoop. Get yourself that large smoothie from that smoothie shop. Indulge that sweet tooth of yours.

10. Take yourself out on a date

Go see that new movie you’ve been dying to see. Try that new coffee shop that just opened up. Go out to the zoo for the day. Do something that you are going to enjoy but make it something that you wouldn’t normally do.

There are endless ways to treat yourself and a countless amount of summer activities. Make sure to indulge in a little self-care. Trust me when I say you’ll thank yourself for it later.